EVIDENCE OF A TRANSFORMED LIFE
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13, ESV
Theme: We were not set free so that we could continue to remain in sin and selfishness, but to grow in compassion and love for others.
WHERE THERE IS LIFE CHANGE, THERE IS EVIDENCE
I have family members who work in the field of forensics. When I have the pleasure of seeing them, I ask dozens of questions, enamored by the details of their work. They take bits and pieces of information, often from a variety of places, to solve a mystery, complete a puzzle, or bring previously unnoticed details to light. The evidence they uncover reveals the truth. In much the same way, as Christ transforms a believer’s life, evidence naturally accumulates, giving clues to a bigger picture. Turning from the sin that once held us captive and growing in love and compassion for others are ways Christ’s work in our lives becomes undeniable.
FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
I learned from a very good friend and Life Group member about the embodiment of the Fruit of the Spirit. When you love God and are filled with the Holy Spirit, there is evidence in your transformed life. Repentance, turning from sin and living in the Light prove, the fingerprints of Christ, leaving their mark on our lives. The aspiration is not to be perfect; it’s to be changed. How do you know what kind of tree it is? By the fruit it produces! “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit…for the mouth speaks what the heart is full of “(Luke 6:43-45 NIV).
WORDS INTO ACTION
I am overwhelmed with what God has done for me. Though I know how unworthy I am, I am so grateful for the unconditional and unlimited love I’ve received from Him. I show my love for Him in worship, study, serving, giving, and prayer so I like to give myself high marks in the “loving God” category. Check, check, check! But, when it comes to loving and serving others, I sometimes prefer to be graded on a curve! That looks a lot like serving…when it’s convenient. Giving…when I have abundance. Demonstrating patience…when I’m already having a “good day.” Loving…when I feel loved. Jesus cites God’s single and greatest commandment in three different books in the Bible. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:35-40, Mark 12:28-34, Luke 10:25-28). It’s impossible to love God without also demonstrating love for others.
I want to receive God’s free and endless grace but sometimes get stingy and judgmental when it’s time for me to dole it out. I must have a faith of action! “...Show me your faith without deeds and I will show you my faith by my deeds” (James 2:18b, NIV). We must be doers of the word, not just readers of it. Loving others isn’t limited to those that “deserve it” nor is serving others restricted to when it suits my schedule. It’s not sufficient to just recognize the needs of others without taking action to help. We are called to serve suffering people because they are ALL God’s people. In our obedience, God will work to bless the giver AND the receiver, according to His perfect plan.
Make It Personal:
Even as mature believers, a “me first” mentality can creep in. As scary as it might be, let’s pray for the uncomfortable and allow God to help us turn from our own sin and be deliberate about blessing others. This week, look for ways to love unconditionally and serve without hesitation.
Pray:
God, thank You for my ability and capacity to serve others. Let there be undeniable evidence of You in my life. Draw me to those who need to see Your love and help me to be obedient to whatever You call me to do. I trust that You’ll magnify my efforts and use them for Your good and perfect will. Forgive me, God, when I have been arrogant, judgmental, lazy or when I have simply lacked courage. I want to see others through Your eyes, with a heart of compassion and mercy. Amen.
Reading: Luke 6:43-45; John 13:35; Matthew 5:14-16; Galatians 5:22-23
Weekly Memory Verse: ”I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:22b-23, ESV